Incidence and Mortality from a Neglected Tropical Disease (Rabies) in 28 African Countries

Abstract

Rabies, a zoonotic disease, is one of the deadliest and most serious threats to public health as it has an almost 100 % case fatality rate. The global estimated mortality of the virus is between 40,000 to 70,000 deaths annually with most of the death occurring in the developing countries of Africa and Asia. The objective of this study was to present the incidence and mortality rates from rabies in 28 African countries from 2005 to 2018. Secondary data were obtained from the World Organization for Animal Health Database. The data from 2005 to 2018 were used, as this was the period with available data in the database. The data were analysed using SPSS version 25 and other descriptive statistical tools. The highest combined rabies incidence and mortality in the time range (2005—2018) was 1601 in 2006, while the lowest was 157 in 2005. Just five countries (Angola, Central African Republic, Kenya, Mozambique and Senegal) had 65 % of the rabies cases and mortality. Notably, the data on the incidence and mortality were 100 % similar, as all of the cases of rabies in the 28 African countries within 2005—2018 resulted in death. Therefore, more work should be devoted to research on rabies prevention and cure. Toward that goal, practices and policies should be implemented to enable the acquisition of accurate and consistent rabies data.